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kissed him, Pitt Binkie Southdown, the son and heir, stood
aloof rather and examined him as a little dog does a big
dog.
Then the kind hostess conducted her guests to the snug
apartments blazing with cheerful fires. Then the young la-
dies came and knocked at Mrs. Rawdon’s door, under the
pretence that they were desirous to be useful, but in reality
to have the pleasure of inspecting the contents of her band
and bonnet-boxes, and her dresses which, though black,
were of the newest London fashion. And they told her how
much the Hall was changed for the better, and how old Lady
Southdown was gone, and how Pitt was taking his station
in the county, as became a Crawley in fact. Then the great
dinner-bell having rung, the family assembled at dinner,
at which meal Rawdon Junior was placed by his aunt, the
good-natured lady of the house, Sir Pitt being uncommonly
attentive to his sister-in-law at his own right hand.
Little Rawdon exhibited a fine appetite and showed a
gentlemanlike behaviour.
‘I like to dine here,’ he said to his aunt when he had
completed his meal, at the conclusion of which, and after
a decent grace by Sir Pitt, the younger son and heir was in-
troduced, and was perched on a high chair by the Baronet’s
side, while the daughter took possession of the place and the
little wine-glass prepared for her near her mother. ‘I like to
dine here,’ said Rawdon Minor, looking up at his relation’s
kind face.
‘Why?’ said the good Lady Jane.
‘I dine in the kitchen when I am at home,’ replied Raw-

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